The Drill Field statue of Congressman Sonny Montgomery begins to cast a late-afternoon shadow on a sunny and hot day in Starkville. Tuesday marks the summer solstice and the official start of the season, but near-record high temperatures the past month tell a different story. PHOTO: Jim Laird | University Relations

Retirement reception for Shim, Grimes WednesdayThe College of Business will host a retirement reception honoring J.P. Shim, professor of business information systems, and Paul Grimes, professor of economics and associate dean, Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Seal Atrium of McCool Hall.

New golf cart policy promotes gameday safetyTo ensure the safety of fans and a continued enjoyable gameday experience for all, a new university policy on the private use of golf carts during campus athletic event days now is in effect.

Free concert of Civil War music WednesdayA nationally recognized Alabama musician will present a Wednesday concert of Civil War tunes at Mississippi State as part of his role in the university's first Social Studies Teachers' Institute.

Summer paving projects underwaySeveral Mississippi State parking lots and roadways will be temporarily closed for paving maintenance this summer. Work will be completed in phases. Please be aware of the ongoing construction and plan commuting routes accordingly.

Movin' You to MSU volunteers neededFaculty, staff and student volunteers are needed for Mississippi State University's annual Movin' You to MSU move-in day, which will take place Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, beginning at 8 a.m.

Service DAWGS set date to give backMississippi State's Service DAWGS organization is designating August 16 as a day to contribute to the Starkville community through various volunteer projects. Breakfast in the Junction will kick off the day at 8:30 a.m.

Help available: 'Moving Forward After a Disaster'Participants in the State and School Employees' Health Insurance Plan who have been affected by recent tornadoes and flooding now have access to an employee assistance program through ActiveHealth Management.

Floral design workshop registration continuesApplications now are being taken for the popular annual floral design workshop held each summer by Mississippi State's floral management program. Now in its 12th year, the weeklong training typically draws participants to the university that range between floral business employees to homeowners interested in the latest design concepts for personal use.

Merger enhances university-business relationshipsMississippi State's Entrepreneurship Center and Office of Technology Commercialization now are merged in a move designed to enhance the university's relationships with business and industry. Gerald Nelson has been named OETT director.

Jenkins named business college fundraiserRobert E. "Rob" Jenkins Jr. is the new director of development for Mississippi State's College of Business. A 1992 business administration graduate of the university, he has five years of fundraising experience with his alma mater.

Pote named Ag & Bio Engineering department headJonathan Pote has been named head of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University. He has served as interim head of the department since July 2010.